According to Beck European societies have entered a second phase of modernity characterized by the need to face up simultaneously to processes of individualization, underemployment and environmental and financial risks at a global level. However, this second phase of modernity cannot be considered without also taking account of the various forms of modernity in other parts of the world. From this point of view, the second phase of modernity can be considered only in conjunction with the modernity of other societies, such as Chinese society.